With it being the last matchup between the two in-state rivals in terms of being in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, they sure made this one a classic to remember. With both teams having a chance to win it down the stretch, the Western New Mexico University football team made a couple of key plays to pull out the 38-37 victory over New Mexico Highlands University on Saturday at Altamirano Field to reclaim the Warrior Helmet trophy.
With NMHU (0-3, 0-1 RMAC) holding a 30-24 lead entering the fourth quarter, the fireworks were just about to begin. WNMU (2-1, 1-0 RMAC) got it going right away in the final frame as Mitch Glasmann hit Evan Beebe for a 22-yard strike and later a three-yard completion for the touchdown and a 31-30 Mustang lead.
The Cowboys came right back with a seven play, 75 yard drive to take a 37-31 lead with nine minutes to play in the game.
Following a punt by WNMU, NMHU slowly worked their way down field chewing up clock and looking to make the game a two possession contest. With four-and-goal from the eight waiting, the Cowboys elected to try a field goal and the Mustangs were ready. A strong push and Shiane Tupua skied to block the kick leaving it a six point game with still four minutes to play in the game.
Marques Rodgers would net five yard on two carries, setting the stage for what would be a huge play on fourth-and-five at the WNMU 27. With just a few minutes to play the Mustangs went for it and Glasmann found Xavier Ayers for eight yards and a first down. A few plays later, Rodgers caught a quick pass from Glasmann and turned on the jets for a 60-yard reception, but the play would be brought back on a holding call. That didn’t stop the Mustangs with Glasmann finding Michael Ball for 38 yards and then Beebe for 29 more to put the ball at the NMHU 1. Rodgers would take the next snap and find the end zone to tie the game at 37. Josh McIntire added the extra point giving WNMU a 38-37 lead with 39 seconds to play.
Rodgers had a huge game for the Mustangs, rushing for 163 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns, while also catching nine passes for 101 yards.
With still some time on the clock, the game was far from over. The Cowboys completed a big 21-yard pass from Keith Moore to Austin Jones that had the ball near midfield and a roughing the passer penalty was also added moving the ball to the WNMU 39 with 14 seconds to play. NMHU would get four yards closer on a pass play setting the stage for a 52-yard field goal attempt to win the game. Luke Jones attempted the winning field goal and it had the distance, but hit the right upright and went just wide giving WNMU the exciting 38-37 victory.
WNMU held a 515-505 edge in total offense, 159-140 on the ground, while NMHU had the 365-356 edge through the air. Rodger’s 264 all-purpose yards helped power the way, as he had a long run of 41 yards and a long catch of 30 yards. Through the air, Glasmann connected on 27-of-45 for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Outside of Rodgers who also led the team in receiving, Ayers went for eight catches and 98 yards, Beebe added four for 70 yards and Allison had two for 23 yards. On defense, Darius Guillory led in tackles with eight, including three solo. Alfonso Wilson added six tackles, four solo and 2.5 tackles for loss.
Moore and Kirt Terry-Springs had big games for the Cowboys with Moore throwing for 365 yards and four scores, while Terry-Springs caught 11 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Dominique Bierria added seven receptions for 97 yards and three scores.
WNMU will hit the road next Saturday when they will play at Colorado State University-Pueblo with kickoff set for 2 p.m. The ThunderWolves, the defending national champions, are currently ranked 13th in the nation entering this week by AFCA.